Parco, a popular chain of department stores, wanted to better understand how visitors move through their stores and engage with different areas. By gathering real-time data on customer traffic and location, the retailer could gain valuable insights to support sales and marketing strategies.
To explore these possibilities, Parco launched a pilot project at the Parco Museum. The initiative focused on collecting visitor information using image-sensing technology that could detect and analyze traffic patterns without storing or transmitting personally identifiable data.
This innovative approach gave Parco a new way to capture actionable insights while respecting customer privacy. By linking IoT technology with its existing operations, the retailer set the stage for smarter, data-driven decision-making.
As a competitive retailer, Parco needed a solution that was not only affordable but also highly secure. The company knew that the reliability of its connectivity would directly impact the success of its consumer analysis system.
Because the project involved collecting information derived from images, data protection and compliance were critical. While the system discarded specific images after sensing customer movement, Parco still needed to ensure that any transmitted information remained safe from outside threats.
At the same time, Parco wanted to avoid the limitations and risks associated with Wi-Fi networks, which can be difficult to secure and manage at scale. They needed a solution that offered secure, flexible, and cost-conscious connectivity right out of the box.
To meet these requirements, Parco turned to Soracom. By installing Soracom Air SIM cards into their IoT devices, the company was able to establish secure, cellular-based connectivity without any additional equipment. The ability to connect virtually anywhere gave them the flexibility to deploy quickly across multiple locations.
For transmitting data, Parco used Soracom Beam to handle protocol conversion. By converting HTTP to HTTPS in the cloud, Beam ensured that data could be sent securely to Amazon API Gateway without requiring additional relay servers. This also helped reduce device power consumption and data usage, streamlining the entire process.
Beam’s credential management and custom header functions were especially valuable. These allowed Parco to authenticate access to AWS at scale without requiring an individual authentication key for each device – saving significant time, cost, and operational complexity.
Soracom gave Parco the right combination of affordability, security, and scalability. With Soracom Air, they had reliable connectivity that could easily be deployed and managed across their devices. With Soracom Beam, they gained the ability to encrypt and transmit data securely, all while reducing power and bandwidth demands.
This comprehensive solution allowed Parco to implement authentication and data protection measures without compromising ease of use. Instead of investing in costly infrastructure or managing a complex set of device keys, they were able to manage everything directly in the cloud.
Ultimately, Soracom’s services helped Parco stay competitive while ensuring that their customer analytics project was both secure and cost-effective, a critical balance for a retailer operating in today’s fast-moving market.
Looking ahead, Parco plans to extend its consumer analytics system beyond the initial pilot. Future enhancements include customer tier analysis to better segment visitors and track repeat behaviors, as well as detailed route mapping to understand how customers move through different parts of the store.
By combining IoT data with marketing strategies, Parco hopes to refine promotions, optimize store layouts, and create more personalized shopping experiences. These insights will allow them to strengthen customer engagement while increasing operational efficiency.
With Soracom’s secure connectivity and data management tools, Parco has the flexibility to continue scaling its analytics capabilities and unlock even greater value from real-time customer data.
Photosynth was founded in 2014 with the vision of transforming traditional craftsmanship into connected experiences. Their flagship product, Akerun, brings digital innovation to something as fundamental as a door lock. By enabling smartphone-based access control, Akerun allows users to unlock and lock doors with a tap, while also offering features like temporary digital keys, usage logs, and shared access.
Unlike many smart lock systems that require a complete hardware replacement, Akerun is designed to attach directly to existing doors, making it both practical and accessible. The accompanying mobile app seamlessly integrates with email and social media, giving users simple tools to manage who can come and go. For many, Akerun acts as a “robot concierge” that makes everyday entry and exit more convenient.
With adoption quickly expanding in both residential and commercial spaces, Photosynth recognized that the smart lock could be more than a gadget, it could be a platform for reimagining property access. From apartments to offices to hotels, Akerun has redefined how people think about door locks in the digital age.
As demand for Akerun grew, Photosynth faced several challenges. First, in 2015, not all customers used smartphones. Roughly 35% still relied on feature phones, which limited access to Akerun’s Bluetooth-based model. Supporting users that range from older demographics to corporations with standardized feature phone fleets was key to making the service more inclusive.
At the same time, customers wanted more flexibility. Many expressed frustration when they forgot to lock their door, couldn’t confirm its status remotely, or needed to let someone inside without being physically present. These requests highlighted the need for Internet-based control, not just Bluetooth.
Finally, Photosynth saw barriers to adoption in requiring users to install a dedicated app for one-off situations, like hotel stays or temporary access. The team knew that if Akerun was going to scale, it had to become easier to use across different devices and scenarios without additional setup burdens.
To meet these needs, Photosynth introduced Akerun Remote, an IoT gateway with built-in 3G connectivity. This device connects to the main Akerun lock via Bluetooth, while end users interact with it through a web browser. By bridging Internet and Bluetooth connections, Akerun Remote enables lock control not only from smartphones but also from feature phones, laptops, and other connected devices — all without requiring an app download.
Connectivity is powered by Soracom Air SIMs, which provide secure, reliable mobile networking for every Akerun Remote. Soracom’s cloud-native platform makes it easy for Photosynth to deploy connectivity at scale, while real-time management tools let engineers track and group SIMs, monitor usage, and troubleshoot directly from the command line.
With Soracom handling connectivity, Photosynth can focus on delivering value to end users. By simplifying setup, enabling remote access, and ensuring secure connections to the cloud, Akerun Remote removes barriers to adoption and makes smart locks practical for a wider audience.
For Photosynth, choosing Soracom came down to flexibility, speed, and cost transparency. Unlike traditional telecom providers that require large upfront SIM orders and long lead times, Soracom allows Photosynth to order only what they need, when they need it, with new SIMs arriving in just a few days. This reduces inventory costs and makes it easy to scale as demand grows.
Soracom’s pay-as-you-go pricing ensures that Photosynth pays only for actual usage, a critical advantage for designing sustainable connected services. Clear cost structures also help Photosynth forecast expenses and confidently expand into new markets.
Equally important, Soracom’s platform is developer-friendly. Engineers can manage SIMs directly via API or command line, making integration with existing workflows seamless. Combined with AWS-backed infrastructure for robust security, Photosynth has found in Soracom a partner who understands both the technical and business needs of scaling IoT solutions.
For Photosynth, the future of smart locks goes far beyond replacing keys. With IoT connectivity, locks become data-rich devices capable of integrating into wider smart home and building systems. Imagine doors that automatically trigger lights, appliances, or HVAC systems based on entry and exit events. These possibilities open the door (literally) to entirely new experiences.
At the same time, reliability is critical. In emergencies, a lock must perform flawlessly. This responsibility drives Photosynth to work closely with Soracom to ensure that connectivity and control are both secure and resilient. For a product tied so closely to safety, dependable partners are essential.
As Photosynth expands globally, they face new challenges in adapting Akerun to localized lock standards. With Soracom’s own global footprint and expertise in cross-market IoT deployments, Photosynth is confident they can overcome these barriers. Together, the two companies are laying the foundation for a world where access is smarter, safer, and more connected.
Anaxeos, a brand created by the Finnish high-tech company Sense of Intelligence Ltd, set out with an ambitious mission: to improve the lives of one million dogs by 2023. The company believes that digitization, IoT, and AI can serve not only humans, but also our closest companions, giving pet owners new insights into their dogs’ health and well-being.
Wearable technology for pets has grown rapidly in recent years, from GPS trackers to activity sensors. Anaxeos builds on this momentum by developing solutions that combine IoT data with cloud-based analytics, helping owners better understand their dogs’ needs and behaviors. By making the invisible visible, Anaxeos strengthens the bond between people and their pets.
The company’s innovation has not gone unnoticed. In 2017, Anaxeos was recognized as the Best IoT Startup in Finland and nominated as one of the Best IoT Startups in the Nordic region, demonstrating early validation of its vision and approach
Designing wearable IoT solutions for dogs comes with unique challenges. Devices must be lightweight, durable, water-resistant, and comfortable enough for animals to wear throughout daily activities. At the same time, they need to look stylish and appealing to owners who view these products as both functional and lifestyle accessories.
Beyond physical design, connectivity and data security present additional hurdles. Pet wearables must reliably capture and transmit data such as activity levels, heart rate, and location. This requires dependable wireless communication and secure data exchange to ensure accuracy and privacy.
Balancing usability, comfort, and technical performance is a complex task. To deliver a solution that meets all three requirements, Anaxeos needed both strong design expertise and a trusted connectivity partner who could help manage data transmission seamlessly at scale.
Anaxeos’ wearable solution integrates multiple sensors to monitor activity, heart rate, and GPS location in real time. Data is captured from the dog, transmitted via cellular IoT connectivity, and analyzed in the cloud using AI and machine learning. This combination delivers actionable insights that owners can access through an intuitive app with a conversational interface.
With cellular connectivity at its core, the system ensures that data flows securely and reliably no matter where dogs and owners are. Whether monitoring daily exercise goals, tracking vital signs, or pinpointing location, Anaxeos gives owners peace of mind and a deeper connection to their pets.
To power this vision globally, Anaxeos turned to Soracom. As CEO Toni Koutu explains, Soracom’s eSIM capability and real-time management tools allow Anaxeos to scale across borders while keeping costs under control. Just as importantly, Soracom shares a startup-friendly mindset, providing support and flexibility that align with Anaxeos’ values and growth goals.
The construction industry has long struggled with stagnant productivity, particularly in earthwork operations. With nearly one-third of skilled workers expected to retire within the next decade, SITECH Japan recognized that technology would be essential to closing the labor gap.
Government agencies like Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport began encouraging “full use of ICT” to improve efficiency and make construction more attractive to future generations. SITECH responded by seeking out solutions that could enhance productivity at the ground level without disrupting existing workflows.
Yet, one of the biggest hurdles was connectivity. Hundreds of machines on-site required real-time data transfer, but conventional SIMs were costly, slow to provision, and often unreliable in remote or rugged locations where many projects take place. SITECH needed an agile, scalable, and resilient solution that could keep construction projects on track.
To transform construction sites into connected environments, SITECH Japan integrated IoT-enabled sensors and displays into heavy machinery like excavators. These devices measure angles, GPS positions, and operational data, transmitting it in real time to SITECH’s cloud-based Trimble Connected Community platform (VISIONLINK).
Through VISIONLINK, supervisors gain unprecedented visibility into machinery performance and site progress. They can monitor excavation depth, track asset usage, and receive automated safety alerts. This level of oversight helps reduce delays, optimize workflows, and improve safety across worksites.
To make this ecosystem viable, SITECH turned to Soracom Air, which provided cellular IoT connectivity that was fast to deploy and reliable even in challenging environments. This ensured that every piece of machinery, regardless of location, could be seamlessly integrated into SITECH’s digital construction framework.
SITECH Japan found in Soracom a partner that understood the demands of IoT at scale. Traditional SIMs took up to 10 business days to provision, but with Soracom, SITECH could activate Air SIMs instantly via the Soracom User Console. This agility eliminated costly SIM inventories and allowed them to respond quickly to new projects or sudden client needs.
Equally valuable was Soracom’s flexibility in managing data transmission. Using the console, SITECH could adjust speeds on demand – choosing low-speed connections for transmitting GPS and machine logs, or high-speed connections for large 3D design files – without physically swapping SIMs. This reduced labor, minimized downtime, and simplified troubleshooting.
With Soracom’s cloud-integrated management tools, SITECH now operates with greater efficiency, ensuring their IoT-enabled construction sites deliver the productivity gains needed to address Japan’s labor challenges.
SITECH Japan is committed to expanding its role in shaping the future of construction. With government initiatives mandating ICT adoption in 30% of machinery, SITECH plans to manage over 100,000 connected terminals within the next three years.
The company is exploring advanced IoT use cases such as autonomous piloting systems, construction navigation, and data-driven maintenance solutions. By continuously analyzing data from connected machinery, SITECH will further streamline workflows, improve safety, and accelerate project delivery.
Through IoT innovation, SITECH Japan is helping ensure that construction remains not only productive but also an attractive and sustainable career path for future generations.
Wine is particularly sensitive to environmental changes, and even slight deviations in temperature, humidity, or light exposure can affect its quality. For wineries and distributors, ensuring that bottles are stored and transported under ideal conditions is essential not only for product quality but also for brand reputation.
The challenge lies in the complexity of the global supply chain. A single shipment of wine may travel across multiple countries, distributors, and retailers before reaching the end consumer. Each handoff represents a potential point of failure, making real-time monitoring and secure data transfer mission-critical.
For ISTMOS, creating a truly effective quality assurance system meant enabling every stakeholder, whether a local distributor or an international retailer, to access and trust consistent data across the entire supply chain. That required an IoT solution capable of delivering reliable connectivity worldwide.
To address this challenge, ISTMOS designed a system that integrates IoT gateways, environmental sensors, and a customizable decision support platform. These gateways continuously measure and record temperature, humidity, and luminosity, triggering alerts whenever conditions deviate from safe thresholds.
Each gateway is connected through Soracom Air SIMs, providing a secure cellular link that works across borders and networks. Once collected, sensor data is transmitted to the ISTMOS platform via Soracom Beam, which securely relays information while preserving critical metadata such as timestamps, device IDs, and geographic location.
With this system in place, wineries, distributors, and retailers gain continuous visibility into product conditions. From the moment a bottle leaves the vineyard until it reaches the consumer, ISTMOS ensures that any issue is detected early and addressed before it impacts quality.
For ISTMOS, data integrity and system reliability are non-negotiable. By leveraging Soracom Air, the company can easily provision and manage SIM cards, ensuring that new devices can be deployed quickly without complex setup. The global reach of Soracom’s network also allows ISTMOS to scale its solution internationally with confidence.
Meanwhile, Soracom Beam streamlines the process of securely transmitting IoT data from devices to the cloud. This not only reduces development overhead but also ensures that sensitive information travels safely, giving stakeholders peace of mind.
The combination of Soracom’s connectivity and management tools allows ISTMOS to operate efficiently at scale, reducing operational overhead while focusing on delivering a reliable, AI-supported monitoring solution for the global wine supply chain.
As a growing startup, ISTMOS continues to innovate by expanding its system capabilities and exploring additional Soracom services. With interest in extending beyond wine into other high-value goods, the company sees enormous potential for IoT-enabled supply chain management.
Future plans include testing services such as Soracom Endorse for authentication, Soracom Funnel for direct cloud integration, and Soracom Gate for building secure private networks. By incorporating these tools, ISTMOS aims to further enhance transparency, scalability, and security across its platform.
With Soracom as a trusted partner, ISTMOS is well positioned to scale its solution across industries and ensure that products sensitive to environmental conditions maintain quality throughout their journey.
Windsurfing has been described as “Sea F-1,” with athletes reaching Formula One–level speeds in competitions held far from shore. While thrilling, these events are almost impossible for spectators to follow in real time, limiting the sport’s broader appeal.
For N-Sports Tracking Lab, the vision was clear: create a way to visualize the race as it happened, capturing each competitor’s speed, route, and position. This would not only improve the spectator experience but also provide race officials with vital safety data.
The challenge was daunting. Building a system capable of tracking over 100 athletes in real time required both high reliability and low cost. On top of that, N-Sports had just two months to design, test, and deploy a fully functioning IoT solution in time for the Windsurfing World Cup.
To make windsurfing races visible, N-Sports developed 130 custom IoT devices, each housing a microcomputer, a 3G/LTE module, and a long-lasting mobile battery. Initially mounted on sails, the sensors were later moved to waist pouches for greater accuracy and reliability.
Connectivity was provided by Soracom’s Wio LTE JP Version paired with Soracom Air SIMs, creating a cost-effective and scalable way to stream location and performance data in real time. Each device sent updates once per second, ensuring accurate tracking of position, speed, and direction.
Despite the short timeline, N-Sports completed system verification just in time for the competition. With Soracom’s connectivity handling data transfer to the cloud, the solution was stable, responsive, and ready for race day.
For N-Sports, meeting the two-month deadline was critical. Soracom’s developer-friendly platform and ready-to-use hardware allowed the team to move from concept to deployment without delays or unnecessary complexity.
Beyond speed, Soracom provided the flexibility and reliability needed for offshore conditions. Data could be monitored in real time from anywhere, ensuring that both spectators and race officials had the visibility they needed.
By combining Wio LTE hardware with Air SIM connectivity, Soracom delivered a secure, cost-efficient backbone for N-Sports’ ambitious system, helping them meet tight deadlines and exceed expectations.
With the system proven successful, N-Sports is preparing to expand globally. By using Soracom Air SIMs that provide international connectivity, they can scale their solution to windsurfing competitions and other sports worldwide.
The company is also working on new features to provide deeper insights. In addition to tracking location and speed, upcoming systems will monitor sail movement and other performance metrics, creating new data streams for athletes, coaches, and fans.
Ultimately, N-Sports aims to apply their IoT model to a wide variety of sports, on both land and water. By making invisible competitions visible, they’re creating richer, more engaging experiences for audiences everywhere.